How Airbus Has Surpassed Boeing in the Global Aviation Rivalry

Key Takeaways

• Airbus leads 2025 deliveries with 243 aircraft versus Boeing’s 220 as of May 31.
• Airbus holds 56% market share; Boeing has 40%, impacted by safety and production crises.
• Supply chain issues and tariffs limit production; Paris Air Show expected to feature major orders.

This analysis examines the ongoing rivalry between Airbus and Boeing, focusing on how Airbus has gained a clear lead in the commercial aircraft market as of mid-2025. The purpose is to provide a detailed, evidence-based review of the factors behind Airbus’s current advantage, the challenges both companies face, and what the future may hold for this critical sector. The scope covers recent delivery data, market share, production backlogs, supply chain issues, and the impact of major industry events like the Paris Air Show. The methodology relies on official delivery statistics, statements from industry leaders, and market forecasts, ensuring an objective and comprehensive perspective.

Key findings are presented upfront:

• Airbus leads Boeing in aircraft deliveries for 2025, with 243 delivered as of May 31, compared to Boeing’s 220.
• Airbus holds a 56% market share in commercial aircraft deliveries, while Boeing has 40%.
• Both companies face supply chain constraints and the effects of global tariffs, limiting their ability to increase production.
• Airbus’s backlog is larger and more diversified, giving it greater production visibility and stability.
• Boeing has made progress in widebody orders but continues to recover from recent safety and production crises.
• The Paris Air Show is expected to be a turning point, with both companies likely to announce major new orders and strategies.

Methodology

This analysis draws on official delivery and backlog data from Airbus and Boeing, statements from company leaders, and industry forecasts from sources such as Forecast International. It also incorporates expert commentary and recent news reports. Quantitative data is presented in tables and described visually for clarity. Trends and patterns are identified through year-over-year comparisons and analysis of order book composition. The analysis remains objective and avoids bias, focusing on facts and evidence.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

Aircraft Deliveries (Jan–May 2025):

• Airbus: 243 aircraft delivered (average 49 per month)
• Boeing: 220 aircraft delivered (average 44 per month)

Visual description: Imagine a bar chart with two bars for 2025 deliveries so far. The Airbus bar is taller, reaching 243, while the Boeing bar is slightly shorter at 220. This visual difference highlights Airbus’s lead in the current year.

Market Share (2025):

• Airbus: 56%
• Boeing: 40%
• Others (Embraer, COMAC): 4%

Visual description: Picture a pie chart where over half the circle is colored for Airbus, a little less than half for Boeing, and two small slices for Embraer and COMAC. This shows the dominance of the two main players.

Backlog as of May 2025:

• Airbus: 8,668 jets (88.9% are A220 and A320 family narrowbodies)
• Boeing: 6,273 jets (75.6% are 737 MAXs)

Visual description: Two stacked columns represent the backlogs. Airbus’s column is taller and mostly filled with one color representing narrowbody jets, while Boeing’s is shorter but also dominated by narrowbodies.

Historical Highs:

• Airbus: 863 deliveries in 2019
• Boeing: 806 deliveries in 2018

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Production and Delivery Trends

Airbus has consistently outperformed Boeing in aircraft deliveries since 2019. In 2024, Airbus delivered 766 aircraft, more than double Boeing’s 348. For 2025, Airbus is on track to exceed 820 deliveries, while Boeing has not specified a target but is unlikely to match Airbus’s pace.

Trend: Airbus’s ability to maintain higher production rates through the pandemic and recovery period has been a key factor in its lead. Boeing’s production was severely affected by the 737 MAX crisis and a major machinists’ strike in late 2024, which slowed its recovery.

Backlog and Order Book Composition

Airbus’s backlog of 8,668 jets represents 10.4 years of production at current rates, while Boeing’s 6,273 jets represent 11 years. The majority of both companies’ backlogs are narrowbody jets, which are the most popular with airlines due to their efficiency and flexibility.

Pattern: Airbus’s backlog is not only larger but also more diversified, with strong demand for both the A220 and A320 families. Boeing’s backlog is heavily concentrated in the 737 MAX, which has faced safety and regulatory challenges.

Market Share and Customer Perception

Airbus’s market share has grown to 56% in 2025, while Boeing’s has dropped to 40%. This shift reflects airlines’ and lessors’ preference for Airbus, which is seen as more stable and reliable after Boeing’s recent safety incidents.

Comparison: Before 2019, Boeing led in deliveries every year from 2012 to 2018. The turning point came with the 737 MAX crisis, which damaged Boeing’s reputation and allowed Airbus to overtake in both deliveries and revenue.

Supply Chain and Tariff Impacts

Both Airbus and Boeing are struggling with supply chain constraints and the impact of global tariffs on steel, aluminum, and components. These issues limit their ability to ramp up production to meet the strong post-pandemic demand for new aircraft.

Pattern: While both companies are affected, Airbus’s operational stability has allowed it to manage these challenges more effectively, maintaining higher delivery rates and customer confidence.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Why Airbus Pulled Ahead

1. Consistent Production and Delivery: Airbus maintained steady production and delivery rates during the pandemic and recovery, while Boeing was set back by the 737 MAX crisis and regulatory scrutiny.
2. Product Line Strength: The Airbus A320 family became the world’s best-selling airliner family in 2019, surpassing the Boeing 737. This success has continued, with strong demand for the A220 and A320neo models.
3. Backlog Advantage: Airbus’s larger and more diversified backlog provides greater visibility and stability for future production, making it more attractive to airlines and lessors.
4. Operational Stability: Airbus avoided major safety scandals, while Boeing faced two fatal MAX crashes and a high-profile midair incident in 2024. This has led to increased scrutiny from regulators like the FAA and a loss of customer confidence for Boeing.
5. Market Perception: Investors and customers increasingly view Airbus as better managed and more reliable. As Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory put it, “A lot of people, whether investors, financiers or customers, are looking at Airbus and seeing a company run by competent people. The contrast with Boeing is fairly profound.”

Boeing’s Recovery Efforts

Boeing has made progress, especially in widebody orders, setting a record in May 2025. The company is working to restore confidence and increase production rates, particularly for the 737 MAX. However, it is not expected to return to pre-crisis delivery levels until at least 2027. Boeing’s leadership is focused on overcoming the lingering effects of safety incidents and production delays, as well as managing ongoing supply chain disruptions.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Airlines and Lessors: Many are shifting orders to Airbus due to its perceived stability and fewer recent controversies. This trend is reinforced by the operational challenges Boeing has faced.
• Investors: Favor Airbus for its consistent performance and strong backlog.
• Regulators: Increased scrutiny on Boeing’s safety and production standards, especially after the 737 MAX 9 incident in early 2024.
• Suppliers: Both manufacturers are affected by supply chain constraints, but Airbus’s steadier operations provide more predictability for suppliers.

Limitations

• Supply Chain Uncertainty: Both Airbus and Boeing face unpredictable supply chain disruptions, which could affect future delivery rates and order fulfillment.
• Tariff Impacts: Ongoing and potential new tariffs on raw materials and components could increase costs and slow production for both companies.
• Market Volatility: The commercial aircraft market is sensitive to global economic conditions, fuel prices, and airline profitability, all of which can change rapidly.
• Emerging Competitors: While COMAC (China 🇨🇳) and JetZero (US) are not immediate threats, their future impact on the duopoly remains uncertain.

Future Outlook and Paris Air Show

The upcoming Paris Air Show in June 2025 is expected to be a major event for both Airbus and Boeing. Traditionally, this show is where large orders and strategic initiatives are announced. Airbus, which did not secure any new orders in May 2025, is expected to unveil significant deals at the show. Boeing, having set a record for widebody orders in May, will also be looking to showcase its recovery and attract new business.

Anticipated Developments:

• Airbus: Aims to deliver over 820 aircraft in 2025, but supply chain issues may limit this goal. The company is likely to announce new orders and partnerships at the Paris Air Show.
• Boeing: Working to increase 737 MAX production to 42 per month by March 2025. The company is focused on regaining lost ground but faces challenges in restoring its reputation and meeting delivery targets.
• Emerging Competitors: COMAC and JetZero are potential future rivals, but their impact is limited by supply chain and technology dependencies.

Policy Implications

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased oversight from the FAA and other global regulators, especially for Boeing, could lead to stricter safety and production standards.
• Tariffs: Both companies are closely monitoring the effects of tariffs on steel, aluminum, and components. Any changes in trade policy could have significant impacts on costs and production rates.
• Global Supply Chains: The reliance on complex, international supply chains makes both Airbus and Boeing vulnerable to disruptions, emphasizing the need for resilience and flexibility.

For more information on international trade and tariffs affecting the aviation industry, readers can visit the U.S. International Trade Administration for official updates and resources.

Comparative Summary Table

Conclusions

Airbus has pulled ahead of Boeing in the commercial aircraft market due to a combination of consistent production, a robust and diversified product line, operational stability, and a strong order backlog. Boeing’s recovery is ongoing but hampered by reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and supply chain disruptions. The rivalry remains intense, with both companies facing external pressures from tariffs, global supply chains, and emerging competitors.

The next major inflection point will be the Paris Air Show in June 2025, where both manufacturers are expected to reveal their latest strategies and order wins. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of this event could shape the direction of the industry for years to come.

Actionable Takeaways:

• For airlines and lessors: Monitor announcements at the Paris Air Show for new aircraft options and delivery timelines.
• For investors: Watch for updates on production rates and order backlogs, as these are key indicators of future performance.
• For suppliers: Stay informed about supply chain developments and potential tariff changes that could affect demand.

Both Airbus and Boeing remain central to the global aviation industry, but the balance of power has shifted. The coming months will reveal whether Boeing can close the gap or if Airbus will extend its lead even further.

For ongoing updates and official information, visit the Paris Air Show website, which serves as the industry’s main venue for major announcements and networking opportunities.

Learn Today

Backlog → The total number of unfulfilled aircraft orders awaiting production or delivery.
Narrowbody → Aircraft with a single aisle, typically used for short to medium-haul flights.
737 MAX → Boeing’s narrowbody jet model that faced safety issues resulting in grounding and scrutiny.
Paris Air Show → A major international aerospace event where manufacturers announce orders and strategies.
Market Share → The percentage of total sales or deliveries held by a company in its industry.

This Article in a Nutshell

Airbus gained a decisive lead over Boeing in 2025 aircraft deliveries and market share. Stable production, a strong backlog, and fewer controversies support Airbus’s dominance. Although Boeing progresses, supply challenges and reputational damage remain. The Paris Air Show will reveal future orders and industry direction, critical for both giants.
— By VisaVerge.com